The Livestock Conservancy

Calendar

2017 Events
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

Have an event you'd like to add? Email Ryan Walker to submit it here.

★ Livestock Conservancy Participating

★★ Livestock Conservancy Hosted

2017 Events

January

January 7-22 - The National Western Stock Show will be held in Denver, CO. This event features more than 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, alpacas, bison, yak, poultry and rabbits each year. Visit www.nationalwestern.com for more information.

January 12-13 - The Minnesota Organic Conference will be held in St. Cloud, MN. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/moc or call Cassie at 651-201-6134 for more information.

January 13-February 4 – The 121st Annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will be held in Fort Worth, TX. The event features world-class livestock shows, kid-friendly exhibits, carnival/midway fun, live music, unique daily shopping and nightly rodeos. Over 1 million visitors and 22,000 head of livestock participate each year. Visit www.fwssr.com for more information.

January 20-21 - The 21st Annual Vermont Grazing and Livestock Conference will be held at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. Visit https://www.uvm.edu/~pasture/conference.html for more information.

January 25-28 - The American Sheep Industry Association Convention will be held in Denver, CO. Visit http://www.sheepusa.org/About_Events_Convention for more information.

January 25-28 - The EcoFarm Conference "Cultivating Diversity" will be held in Pacific Grove, CA. Visit www.eco-farm.org for more information.

January 25-28 - The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference "Practical Tools & Solutions for Sustainable Family Farms" will be held in Lexington, KY. Visit www.ssawg.org for more information.

January 27 - An 'Artist Reception' in the Belties Lounge at Galloway Ridge will be held from 3:30-4:30pm in Pittsboro, NC. The Livestock Conservancy's Jeannette Beranger will exhibit four pieces depicting traditional breeds of the south including Dominique chickens, Gulf Coast sheep, Pineywoods cattle, and Banker horses. For more information, call Pat Richardson at 919-642-6893.

January 27 - Flavors: Historic California will be held at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA. Explore the journey from farm to table during this fascinating culinary series of thematic pop-up dinners combining historical and environmentally sustainable ingredients. This meal combines heritage livestock with indigenous plants to create dishes that would be familiar to Californians over the centuries. From authentic Longhorn beef—imported by the Spanish rancheros—to nopales salad, these flavors create a unique taste experience that will take you back in time. Visit https://theautry.org/events/special-events/flavors-historic-california or call 323-667-2000 for more information.

February

February 1-4 - The 26th Annual Farming for the Future Conference will be held at Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA. Visit www.pasafarming.org/conference or call 814-349-9856 for more information.

February 2-4 - The 25th Annual Grazing Conference will be held in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Visit http://grassworks.org/?110340 for more information.

February 9 - Grazing for Change workshop will be held by the Hungry Turtle Institute in Amery, WI. Dig into the principles and practices of holistic management in a full day workshop led by Gabe Brown and his son Paul Brown. This is an essential event for farmers and ranchers seeking new tools and practices to cope with drought, rising production costs, and pasture availability. Subjects for discussion include soil regeneration, cover crops, integrating livestock, stacking enterprises, direct marketing farm products, and generational transitioning. For more information on Gabe Brown, visit www.brownsranch.us Register over the phone 715-268-3484 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grazing-workshop-tickets-29988119272?aff=ehomecard.

February 9-11 - The 38th Annual Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) Conference "Growing Today, Transforming Tomorrow" will be held in Dayton, OH. Workshops, a trade show, local and organic meals, a kids' conference, childcare, and keynote speakers. Visit www.oeffa.org/conference2017 for more information.

★ February 18-19 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Belton, TX. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

February 24 - Flavors: Future of Food will be held at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA. Explore the journey from farm to table during this fascinating culinary series of thematic pop-up dinners combining historical and environmentally sustainable ingredients. Join us for a meal selected for sustainability, with smaller, flavorful breeds and locally sourced ingredients from a time of less intensive agriculture and greater species diversity. Using cuts of meat that minimize waste and livestock more suited for a changing climate, this meal reduces environmental impact while enhancing the flavors on your plate. Visit https://theautry.org/events/special-events/flavors-future-food or call 323-667-2000 for more information.

★ February 25 - The Successful Small Farms Opportunities Conference will be held in Louisburg, NC. The Livestock Conservancy will present on heritage poultry production and marketing. Visit http://www.franklincountyfarmfresh.com/news/smallFarmsConference.php for more information, email martha_mobley@ncsu.edu, or call 919-496-3344.

March

★ March 6 - The Organic Commodities and Livestock Conference will be held in Mount Olive, NC. Livestock Conservancy staff will present on raising heritage goats in the southeast. For more information, visit https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/oclc/ or call 919-542-2402.

March 10 - The Forum for Rural Innovation will take place in Winchester, VA. The purpose of the forum is to showcase new and exciting projects and programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability. The day will be filled with exhibits and panels, offering opportunities for networking and education. Hear how individual farms, businesses and universities are planning for agriculture. Visit biz.loudoun.gov/forum for more information.

March 11-12 - The Organic Growers School Spring Conference will be held in Asheville, NC. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionally-focused workshops on growing, permaculture, homesteading, and urban farming. Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s program. www.Organicgrowersschool.org.

March 25 - The High Desert Wool Growers 20th Annual Fiber Market Day will be held in Prineville, OR. For more information, visit www.highdesertwoolgrowers.org.

April

★★ April 7-8 - The Livestock Conservancy's "From Service to Stewardship" workshop for military veterans will be held in Lexington, VA. By supporting veterans who raise heritage breeds, The Livestock Conservancy simultaneously serves its own mission of livestock and poultry breed conservation. Visit https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/what/internal/veterans-workshop for more information.

April 22 - Heartland Highland Cattle Asociation's 6th annual Scottish Highland Cattle Auction will be held in Lebanon, MO. There will be a great selection of Highland animals available for you to acquire registered and unregistered breeding stock, feeder animals and excellent beef. Come early to see the animals up close in their pens and get more infomation from their owners. Visit www.highlandauction.com for more information.

May

★★ May 4-5 - MOTHER EARTH NEWS INSTITUTE: The Power of Poultry will be held in Fletcher, NC. There will be a full slate of programming on the basics of keeping poultry throughout both days. This event is designed to be very personal and interactive, so space is strictly limited. Reservations are available first-come, first-served. Tickets and more information are available at www.motherearthnewsinstitute.com.

★ May 6-7 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Fletcher, NC. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

May 6-7 - The 44th Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival will be held at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, MD. Visit www.sheepandwool.org for more information.

★★ May 21-27 - International Heritage Breeds Week will be held worldwide to raise awareness of endangered Heritage breeds of livestock and poultry. The week of awareness was launched by The Livestock Conservancy in America in 2015 and heritage breed farmers and the public are encouraged to spread the word throughout their networks. The week of awareness culminates with Heritage Breeds Day where many farms, ranches, and organizations will hold local events such as farm tours, workshops, or lectures to raise awareness in their communities. Visit www.HeritageBreedsWeek.org to learn more.

June

★ June 1-25 - The 15th International Red Poll Congress and Tour will be hosted by the American Red Poll Association and held throughout the middle of the United States in OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, KY, TN and NC for 25 days in June. This event promises to be a very exciting, educational event. To make reservations and for more information, visit http://www.americanredpolls.com/international-red-poll-congress-and-tour/.

★ June 8-10 - The World Pork Expo will be held in Des Moines, IA. Each year, 20,000 pork producers and other professionals make World Pork Expo the world's largest pork-specific trade show. Visit https://www.worldpork.org for more information.

June 10 - The SVF Annual Visitors Day will be held in Newport, RI. Take free self-guided tours through the historic Swiss Village, peek into the state-of-the-art facilities and meet the SVF laboratory, veterinary, and animal care staff, visit Chip, a rare Tennessee myotonic goat born from a frozen embryo, and learn about other endangered breeds of livestock, attend live cryogenics and sheep shearing demonstrations, and shop SVF’s selection of farm products and heritage breed meat. Visit https://www.svffoundation.org/news/2017-annual-visitors-day/ for more information.

★ June 10-11 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Burlington, VT. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

July

July 16 - The Exchange Place FarmFest will be held in Kingsport, TN. Every July, Kingsport's community-wide Fun Fest celebration takes place all over town, which includes Exchange Place, the area’s living history farm which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as FarmFest, the focus is on children’s “play” and “chores” and demonstrations of summertime activities on a 19th century farmstead, which includes meeting the horses, cow, sheep, donkey and pigs who live at Exchange Place. Completely free to the public, due to the generosity of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, all the historic buildings will be open on Sunday, July 16, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Drinks and light snacks are also available. Visit https://www.exchangeplace.info for more information.

August

August 3 - Holistic & Organic Livestock Management 101 Webinar – Options for Cattle Ranchers will be held online. Organic and Holistic Management are two approaches to sustainable livestock husbandry. This introductory webinar with the CCOF Foundation and Holistic Management International will explore the intersections between organic and Holistic Management systems for cattle operations. The webinar will review the basic principles of both approaches, then will explore how the two approaches can work together for cattle ranchers looking to cultivate economically and environmentally sustainable operations. More info & registration: https://www.ccof.org/holistic-organic-livestock-management

August 4-6 - Soil Sisters, A celebration of Wisconsin Family Farms and Rural Life will be held in southern Wisconsin. Farm tours, Farm to Table dinners, hands-on workshops, and more. Visit www.soilsisterswi.org for more information.

★ August 5-6 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Albany, OR. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

September

September 7-9 - The Rockbridge Fair & Expo will be held in Lexington, VA. Rare livestock parades, oxen workshop and demos, goat costumes, hog agility and chicken show, sheep to shawl. Chicken show, horse pull etc. Visit www.rockbridgefairandexpo.org for more information.

September 8-9 - Organic Grower School's Harvest Conference "Savor the Abundance" will be held in Swannanoa, NC, near Asheville. Workshops include: whole hog charcuterie, fall and winter chicken care, permaculture, seasonal cooking and more. Visit www.organicgrowersschool.org or call 828-214-7833 for more information.

★ September 15-17 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Seven Springs, PA. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

September 21-24 - The Annual Spanish Barb Horse Association Meeting will be held in Faywood, NM. Visit http://www.spanishbarb.org for more information.

September 22-October 1 - Dressage at Devon will be held in Devon, PA. Dressage at Devon - CDI-W/Y/J has been the premier North American equestrian event since 1975. It combines world class dressage competition and the world's largest open breed show with the international Fall Festival shops and special activities for the entire family. Visit www.dressageatdevon.org for more information.

September 23-24 - The Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival will be held in Canby, OR. The festival includes workshops, demonstrations, livestock shows, seminars, and kids' activities. Visit www.flockandfiberfestival.com for more information.

September 28 - The Akhal-Teke Association of America Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet will be held at the Homewood Suites in Devon, PA. Visit http://www.akhal-teke.org/ataa-news for more information.

September 28-30 - The American Red Poll Association 73rd National Meeting and Sale will be held at Murray State University, Hutson school of agriculture in Murray, KY. For more information, call Kaye Gilbert at 765-425-4515 or visit www.americanredpolls.com.

September 30-October 1 - The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival will be held in Turnbridge, VT., celebrating small farms and natural fiber with over 70 vendors offering fleece and yarn, fiber animals, handspinning and fiber crafting equipment and supplies, handcrafted wool items and local meat and cheese. The Festival includes contests, fiber arts classes and demonstrations, shepherd workshops, herding and shearing demos, fleece sale and more. Visit http://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/ or email vtsheepandwoolfest@gmail.com for more information.

October

October 1-5 - The 94th American Rabbit Breeders Association (A.R.B.A.) Convention and Show will be held in Indianapolis, IN. Visit http://www.indyarbaconvention.com/ for more information.

October 5 - The Dutch Belted Cattle Association of America Annual Meeting will be held at 1:00pm at the Globe outside the coliseum at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Visit http://www.dutchbelted.com/ for more information.

October 3-7 - The 50th Annual World Dairy Expo will be held in Madison, WI. World Dairy Expo serves as a forum for dairy producers, companies, organizations and other dairy enthusiasts to come together to compete, and to exchange ideas, knowledge, technology and commerce. Visit http://worlddairyexpo.com for more information.

October 14-15 - The 2017 Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America Annual General Meeting will be held at Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Further details will be posted as available. Contact info@clevelandbay.org with any questions.

★ October 21-22 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Topeka, KS. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit www.motherearthnewsfair.com for more information.

Late October - The Great Goat and Sheep Gathering will be held. Please visit www.NARGASA.org, email NARGASA.org@gmail.com, or call Yvonne at 406-403-4070 for updates and to register for the Gathering.

November

★★ November 9-11 - The Heritage Livestock Conference will be held in Williamsburg, VA. Click here for more information.

November 11-12 - The Ohio National Poultry Show will be held in Columbus, OH. Visit www.ohionational.org for more information.

December

December 1-3 - Cleveland Bay horse enthusiasts are planning to host Cleveland Bay breed classes at theTexas Rose Autumn Breed Show in Tyler, TX. Purebred and Part-bred/Sport Horse Breeding classes are planned. All Cleveland Bay enthusiasts are encouraged to join in for a tailgate lunch "Meet and Greet." Email info@clevelandbay.org for more details.

★★ December 31 - DEADLINE to update information and submit ads for the Livestock Conservancy's 2018 Breeders and Products Directory. If needed, log in to update your information online here. Email Ryan Walker or call 919-542-5704 for more information about advertising in the directory.

2016 Events
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

Jump to: 2017 Events

Have an event you'd like to add? Email Ryan Walker to submit it here.

2016 Events

January

January 7-9 – The Minnesota Organic Conference will be held in St. Cloud, MN. Activities include dozens of practical workshops, a large trade show, organic meals, and networking opportunities. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/organic, email jessica.miles@state.mn.us, or call 651-201-6012 for more information.

January 8 - A Poultry Meeting will be held at Miller's Natural Foods in Bird-in-Hand, PA. No cost and lunch is provided. RSVP by December 31 by calling Fertrell at (800) 347-1566.

★ January 8-10 - Michigan Shepherds' Weekend will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing Michigan. The Livestock Conservancy sessions will focus on it's mission of preserving heritage breeds of livestock and poultry in America. Motivated and experienced livestock breeders are needed! Register by 31 December to get savings! Visit http://www.misheep.org/events.htm for more information.

January 9-24 - The National Western Stock Show will be held in Denver, CO. This event features more than 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, alpacas, bison, yak, poultry and rabbits each year. Visit www.nationalwestern.com for more information.

January 15-February 6 – The 120th Annual Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show will be held in Fort Worth, TX. The event features world-class livestock shows, kid friendly exhibits, carnival/midway fun, live music, unique daily shopping and nightly rodeos. Over 1 million visitors and 22,000 head of livestock participate each year. Visit www.fwssr.com for more information.

January 21-23 – The Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Winter Conference will be held in Aberdeen, SD. Visit www.npsas.org or call (701) 883-4304 for more information.

January 27-30 - The Southern SAWG (Sustainable Agriculture Working Group) Conference will be held in Lexington, KY. For 25 years, the Southern SAWG annual conference has been providing the practical tools and solutions you need at our annual conference. It is the must-attend event for those serious about sustainable and organic farming and creating more vibrant community food systems! This popular event draws over 1,000 farmers and local food advocates from across the nation. We offer outstanding “field-tested” presenters, a full slate of hot-topic conference sessions and pre-conference courses, several field trips, a poster display and a trade show. For registration information and to see this year’s program, visit http://www.ssawg.org/2016-conference-program. For additional information feel free to contact Southern SAWG directly at info@ssawg.org

January 30-31 – The National Meet of the American Poultry Association hosted by the Pacific Poultry Breeders Association will be held in Modesto CA. Contacts: Bridget Riddle 406-253-7944 or email chopped50@hotmail.com for more information.

February

February 3-6 - The 25th Annual Farming for the Future Conference will be held at Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA. Visit www.pasafarming.org/conference or call 814-349-9856 for more information.

February 5-7 – Horse Expo Pomona will take place at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA. Come for demonstrations, shopping, lectures, competitions, breeds, saddles, horse sale, trailers, and trucks. For more information, visit www.horseexpoevents.com.

February 5-6 – The 33rd Annual New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposition and Dairy Goat Seminar will be held in Manchester, NH. Events include: Industry Trade Show, Education Workshops, Demonstrations, Food, and Contests. Visit www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org for more information.

February 13 - Backyard Chickens workshop will be held at Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills, IL. Join staff for an introduction to raising chickens, from incubation to collection. Visit www.garfieldfarm.org for more information.

February 13-14 - The 37th Annual OEFFA Conference "Growing Right by Nature" will be held in Granville, OH. Approximately 100 workshops, a trade show, local and organic meals, a kids' conference, childcare, and keynote speakers. Visit www.oeffa.org/conference2016 for more information.

★ February 20-21 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Belton, TX. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair for more information.

February 25-27 – The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Organic Farming Conference will be held in La Crosse, WI. The largest conference in the U.S. about organic and sustainable farming hosts more than 170 exhibitors and more than 3,000 attendees. Visit http://mosesorganic.org/conference/ for more information.

March

March 1-20 - The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be held in Houston, TX. Billed as the world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition, this event sees more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Visit www.hlsr.com for more information.

March 5-8 – The California Small Farm Conference will be held in Sacramento, CA. The four-day educational conference includes day-long short courses and on-farm tours; focused workshops; engaging keynote addresses; and numerous networking opportunities. For more information call (916) 231-2141 or visit http://www.californiafarmconference.com/.

March 11-13 - The 23rd Annual Spring Conference by Organic Growers School will be held at UNC Asheville in Asheville, NC. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionally-focused workshops on growing, permaculture, homesteading, and urban farming. Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s program. www.Organicgrowersschool.org.

March 15-17 - The Midwest Poultry Federation Convention will be held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Saint Paul, MN. The event offers the largest regional poultry show, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Visit www.midwestpoultry.com, call (763) 682-2171, or email info@midwestpoultry.com for more information.

March 19 - The Chicken "Manhattan" Project workshop will be held at Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills, IL. Museum staff will share more on the secrets of chicken genetics. Visit www.garfieldfarm.org for more information.

March 26 - The 8th Annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour® will take place in Austin, TX. The Funky Chicken Coop Tour (FCCT) is an annual self-guided event held the Saturday of Easter weekend. It encourages city residents to raise backyard poultry by demonstrating the many ways poultry housing can be successfully incorporated into an urban residence. Visit www.AustinCoopTour.org for more information.

April

April 2 - Lattes with Lambs, sponsored by the Accokeek Foundation will be held at the National Colonial Farm in Accokeek, MD. Preview the barnyard babies, “Sheep to Scarf” wool processing stations, play “The Hungry Games,” dairy tent featuring cheese- and butter-making demonstrations, hot beverages and foods, visitor center, barnyard haywagon shuttle and more. Visit www.accokeekfoundation.org or call 301-283-2113 for more information.

April 2 - Texas Chick-O-Rama will be held at Camp Crucis in Granbury, TX 76048. This family-friendly event will include games, live music, hay rides, educational seminars, a chicken and egg cook -off, and chicken coop building contests. For more information contact Mark McGee via phone (817) 968 -8242, by email txchickorama@gmail.com, or through Facebook: facebook.com/txchickorama

★ April 9-10 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Asheville, NC. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair for more information.

April 16 - Early American Farming workshop will be held at Garfield Farm Museum in Campton Hills, IL. Visit www.garfieldfarm.org for more information.

April 30 - Sheep & Wool Day at Springton Manor Farm in West Chester, PA. Sheep Shearing, Spinning, Weaving, Rug Hooking, Knitting & Crocheting Demonstrations, Butter Making, Fiber Dyeing, Wool Carding, Stage Performances - Folkie Dolkies Acoustic Trio; Juggler, Mobile Ag Science Lab, Farm Animals & Tractors, 4-H Clubs, Family Farm Museum, Family games, Face Painting, Corn Cribs, Plant Sale, Outdoor Classroom & Garden Beds, Wagon Rides, Craft, Food & Activity Vendors. Visit http://chesco.org/2307/36633/Sheep-Wool-Day for more information.

May

May 7-8 - The 43rd Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival will be held at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, MD. Visit www.sheepandwool.org for more information.

May 12, 17, & 19 - Emerging Markets, Funding and other Resources for Agricultural Businesses will be held at three locations in western North Carolina: Southwestern Community College-May 12th, 2016 9:00AM-4:30PM; Mayland Community College-May 17th, 2016 9:00AM-4:30PM; Isothermal Community College-May 19th, 2016 9:00AM-4:30PM. Are you in the Agriculture Business or an Agriculture Service Provider and looking for a place to connect with others, learn about different markets and find resources available in your county? Join experts from AgriVentures in a full day, comprehensive workshop that will provide an overview and discussion of resources in a variety of areas, including: Land assessments and Land trusts, Animals, including mountain livestock, Training programs, Specialty emerging markets, such as high tunnels, truffles,hops, forest herbs, organic/alternative crops and bees, Lending Options and Business Planning, Talk one-on-one with local service providers. Register for the free workshops here: SCC https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=490360082, Mayland https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=310360089, Isothermal https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=260360036.

May 14-15 - The New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival will be held at Deerfield Fairgrounds in Deerfield, NH. Visit www.nhswga.com for more information.

★★ May 15-21 - "International Heritage Breeds Week" will be held across the globe to raise awareness of endangered heritage breeds of livestock and poultry. A national campaign was launched by The Livestock Conservancy in America in 2015 promoting the weeklong event and heritage breed farmers were encouraged to spread the word throughout their networks. The week of awareness culminated with Heritage Breeds Day where many farms and ranches chose to hold local events such as farm tours, workshops, or lectures to raise awareness in their communities. Reception was so great that in its second year, the event will now be observed internationally! Click here to learn more

★★ May 20-21 - The Livestock Conservancy's "From Service to Stewardship" workshop for military veterans will be held in Remington VA. Visit https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/what/internal/veterans-workshop for more information.

May 21 - The SoCal Kunekune Pig Show & Sale will be held in Chino, CA. The show will benefit The Livestock Conservancy and Heritage Breeds Week/Day. Visit www.americankunekunepigregistry.com or contact Mrs. Lori Enright at (951) 505-5230 or americankunekune@yahoo.com for more information.

May 21-22 - The Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival will be held at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY. Visit http://www.kentuckysheepandfiber.com for more information.

May 22 - The Garfield Farm Museum Rare Breeds Show will be held in Campton Hills, IL. Breeders from around the Midwest display rare and historic livestock. Individual breeders may offer livestock, poultry, and byproducts for sale. Visit www.garfieldfarm.org for more information.

May 25 - Full-Day Pasture Porkshop sponsored by NC Choices and NC Cooperative Extension will be held in Winston-Salem, NC. Multiple hands-on learning sessions for pastured pork producers. For more information, visit https://ncchoices.ces.ncsu.edu/2016/04/dont-miss-the-full-day-pasture-porkshop-sponsored-by-nc-choices-and-nc-cooperative-extension/.

May 27-28 - The Middle Tennessee Fiber Festival will be held in Dickson, TN. Visit www.tnfiberfestival.com for more information.

June

★ June 4-5 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Albany, OR. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair for more information.

June 9-12 - The Estes Park Wool Market and Fiber Animal Show will be held in Estes Park, CO. Visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/townofestespark/estes-park-wool-market for more information.

June 10-12 - Oxen in the Blue Ridge will be held at Blue Ridge Farm Museum in Ferrum, VA. A weekend of hands-on workshops exploring the essentials of buying, haltering, training, driving, and working oxen teams and single oxen. Activities for all skill levels, novice to experienced. Multiple oxen teams to work with onsite. Onsite lodging and meal packages available. Tim Huppe, Instructor. For more information, visit http://www.ferrum.edu/campus_life/events/2016_oxen_in_the_blue_ridge_driving_workshop.html or contact Rebecca Boone Austin at 540-365-4412 or rbaustin@ferrum.edu.

June 11 - The SVF Visitors Day will be held in Newport, RI. Take self-guided tours through the historic Swiss Village, peek into the state-of-the-art facilities and meet the SVF laboratory, veterinary, and animal care staff, visit Chip, a rare Tennessee myotonic goat born from a frozen embryo, and learn about other endangered breeds of livestock, attend live cryogenics and sheep shearing demonstrations, and shop SVF’s selection of farm products and heritage breed meat. Visit http://svffoundation.org/index.php?id=98 for more information.

June 11-12 - The Iowa Sheep and Wool Festival will be held in Colfax, IA. Visit www.iowasheepandwoolfestival.com or call 563-920-7704 for more information.

June 12-16 - The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM) Annual Meeting & Conference - Commemoration, Preservation, and Education: “The Things That We Do” will be held at the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge, LA. Visit www.alhfam.org for more information.

June 13-17 - The 2016 U.S. National Ayrshire Convention will be held in Oklahoma City, OK. Visit http://www.usayrshire.com/index.html or call 405-740-3085 for more information.

June 16-19 - The American Dexter Cattle Association National Show and Sale will be held at Salina County Fairgrounds in Salina, KS. Day time Events and Seminars open and free to the public. For more info see www.dextercattle.org.

June 17-18 - American Highland Cattle Association's 65th Annual National Convention will be held in Leightown, PA. Visit www.highlandcattleusa.org or call 303-659-2399 for more information.

June 17-19 - The 20th Annual Sheep is Life Celebration will take place at Dine College Campus in Tsaile AZ, Navajo Nation. Sheep is Life – Dibé bé Iiná is a celebration of the Navajo Way of Life. Traditionally, this has been sheep, wool, and weaving and whatever comes from that. Enjoy fiber arts demonstrations, Navajo cuisine, vendors, sheep production workshops, Navajo-Churro Sheep and Wool shows, roundtable discussions, youth activities, etc. Visit www.navajolifeway.org or contact Aretta Begay, Director; Dine Be Iina Inc.; 505-406-7428, info@navajolifeway.org for more information.

June 17-23 - Fibre Week will take place at Olds College in Olds, Alberta, Canada. Visit www.oldscollege.ca/fibreweek for more information.

June 24-26 - The Black Sheep Gathering will be held in Eugene, OR. Visit www.blacksheepgathering.org for more information.

June 25 - Pasture-Raised, Rotationally Grazed Livestock Farm Tour will take place in Chillicothe, OH. Pastured Providence Farmstead focuses on producing healthy food for south-central Ohio using heritage breed stock, including Red Poll cattle, St. Croix sheep, Large Black hogs, Narragansett turkeys, and Buckeye laying hens. For more information, visit http://www.oeffa.org/event.php?ev=3080&cn=&start=0&m=.

June 28 - Hot Weather Chicken Care & Coop Modification — 4 online classes begin at 7:30 pm EST. Visit https://www.chickensandyou.com/course_hot_weather.html for more information.

July

July 2-9 - The American Dairy Goat Association National Show will be held in Harrisburg, PA. Visit www.adga.org for more information.

★ July 9-10 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in West Bend, WI. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair for more information.

July 14-17 - The North East Youth Sheep Show will be held in West Springfield, MA. Visit www.nesheep.org for more information.

★ July 15-17 - The Seed Savers Exchange Conference and Campout will be held in Decorah, IA. Weekend activities at Heritage Farm include two-dozen workshops and events, a Barn Dance, vegetable taste trials, and keynote speeches from Aaron Keefer, Rowen White, Carol Deppe, and Dr. David Shields. To learn more, visit http://www.seedsavers.org/conference.

★ July 23 - 2016 Raising Rabbits Workshop will be held at the The Old National Guard Armory, New Agricultural Aggregation Center in Huntington, WV. Learn rabbit keeping, breeding and economics with regional small-scale rabbit producers. Raise rabbits to feed your family, feed your neighbors or build a business. Visit https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/what/internal/2016-rabbit-workshop for more information.

August

★ August 3-4 - The Midwest Boar Stud Managers Conference will be held in Saint Louis, MO. Visit http://bsmc.missouri.edu/ or contact Tim Safranski at SafranskiT@missouri.edu or (573) 884-7994 for more information.

August 15-16 - The North American Shetland Sheep Breeders Association Annual General Meeting will be held in Indianapolis, IN. visit www.shetland-sheep.org for more information.

August 17-21 - The Michigan Fiber Festival will be held at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Allegan, MI. One of the Midwest's largest fiber festivals, it includes animals, vendors, fiber arts, workshops and more. Visit www.michiganfiberfestival.info, call 269-948-2497, or email staff@michiganfiberfestival.info for more information.

August 19-20 - The Texas Sheep and Goat Expo hosted by Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension will be held at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. Visit http://agrilife.org/sanangelo/files/2011/10/2016-0504a.pdf or contact Marvin Ensor at 325-653-4576 or m-ensor@tamu.edu for more information.

August 29-September 7 - Armed to Farm Sustainable Agriculture Training for Military Veterans in the West will be held in Great Falls, MT. Participants will attend classroom sessions in Great Falls and the hands-on instruction will take place at several area farms. Applications are due by July 22nd, 2016 and can be accessed on NCAT’s website, www.ncat.org/atf_MT/.

September

★ September 6-8 - The National Heirloom Expo will be held in Santa Rosa, CA. Dubbed “The World’s Pure Food Fair,” a massive assembly of pure food enthusiasts, talented home gardeners, farmers, school groups and leaders in the food industry. Visit http://theheirloomexpo.com for more information.

September 8-11 - The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival will be held in Jefferson, WI. Visit www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com for more information.

September 10 - The Mid-America Homesteading Conference will be held at Antiquity Oaks Farm in Cornell, IL. Increase your self-reliance by learning how to keep livestock, garden, and preserve the harvest. Network with others who are doing what you want to do. Visit http://www.homesteadingconference.com for more information.

September 10-11 - The Pennsylvania Endless Mountains Fiber Festival will be held in Harford, PA. Visit www.pafiberfestival.com for more information.

September 11 - A Meeting of the Virginia Independent Consumers & Farmers Association will be held in Monroe, VA. Call 434-946-7405 for more information.

September 14-18 - The North American Permaculture Convergence will be held in Hopland, CA. Visit www.permacultureconvergence.com for more information.

September 15 - The Organic Dairy Healthcare Webinar will be held online at at 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Join the CCOF Foundation on September 15 for a webinar on healthcare practices for organic dairy farms. Learn the basics of healthcare management for organic dairy herds, including both preventive health measures and methods allowed in organic production to treat sick animals. This webinar is ideal for those interested in transitioning to organic or current organic dairy producers looking to improve their healthcare practices. More information/Registration: https://www.ccof.org/webinar-healthcare-practices-organic-dairy-farms.

September 17 - The American Brabant Horse Association Annual Field Day will be held at W1725 Faber Ln, Medford, WI. Watch rare draft horses working. Contact Jason and Katrina Julian at 715-748-4606 for more information.

September 17 - The Fall Poultry Workshop will be held in Roland, AR. Lifestyle, gardening and poultry expert P. Allen Smith will host and attend the workshop at his Moss Mountain Farm. The workshop offers information on best practices for raising poultry, including health, nutrition, protection and selection and is aimed at both beginners and the advanced. Workshop attendees will also have the rare opportunity to purchase heritage poultry breeds and hatching eggs directly from P. Allen Smith’s stock. Those planning purchases should bring appropriate transportation for their new birds. Attendees will hear guest lectures from poultry experts and be treated to lunch and a tour of the farm. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $90 per person. Website: http://pallensmith.com/2016/08/09/fall-poultry-workshop-2016/ Contact Information: Joyce at 501-519-5793 or gardenhome@pallensmith.com.

September 17-18 - Fall Harvest Fair will be held at the historic Alexander Schaeffer farm, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA. The Schaeffer farm comes alive all weekend long with the fruits of the harvest. Enjoy period artisans, colonial crafts, cooking, baking, cider-pressing, field and farm life demonstrations and entertainment. Heritage breeds of livestock and poultry will be on display. For more information visit www.hsimuseum.org.

September 17-18 - The Finger Lakes Fiber Festival will be held in Hemlock, NY. Visit www.gvhg.org/fiber-fest/ or contact Robin at 607-522-4374.

September 20-22 - The National Small Farm Conference, hosted by Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the USDA, will be held in Virginia Beach, VA. Visit http://www.vsu.edu/nationalsmallfarmconference for more information.

September 22 - Farm Tank will be held in Sacramento, CA. The event will feature interactive panels moderated by top food journalists, networking, and delicious food, followed by a day of hands-on activities and opportunities for attendees. Visit http://foodtank.com/events/2016/09/22/1st-annual-farm-tank-summit-sacramento-ca for more information.

September 23-25 - The American Indian Horse Registry & Horse of the Americas National Show will be held in Marshall, TX. For more information, email Alicia at Lothlorienmustangs@gmail.com or Gretchen at glpatterson62@gmail.com, and to request registration forms, email aihrhoanatshowentry@gmail.com.

September 23-25 - Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)'s 40th Annual Common Ground County Fair will be held in Unity, ME. Visit www.mofga.org for more information.

★ September 23-25 - The Mother Earth News Fair will be held in Seven Springs, PA. This fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event features dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on everything from beekeeping to using solar electricity. Visit http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair for more information.

September 24-25 - The Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival will be held in Canby, OR. The festival includes workshops, demonstrations, livestock shows, seminars, and kids' activities. Visit www.flockandfiberfestival.com for more information.

September 28-30 - The Navajo-Churro Sheep Association Annual Meeting will be held in Abiquiu, NM. There will be a sheep and wool show along with workshops on merchandising and field inspections and round table discussions. The membership meeting and breakfast will be Thursday, 9/29. Plus many events and classes are being held at Churro Week put on by the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center nearby. Visit www.navajo-churro sheep.com or email spindanceacres@gmail.com for mor information.

September 30-Oct 2 - The American Red Poll Association 72nd National Meeting and Sale will be held at Murray State University, Hutson school of agriculture in Murray, KY. For more information, call Kaye Gilbert at 765-425-4515 or visit www.americanredpolls.com.

October

October 1 - The Athens Area Fiber Faire will be held in Athens, OH. Visit http://athensareafiberfaire.blogspot.com for more information.

October 1-2 - The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival will be held in Tunbridge, VT. The festival celebrates farms and fiber with over 70 vendors offering fleece and yarn, fiber animals, handspinning and fiber crafting equipment, handcrafted items, local meat and cheese. The festival includes contests, fiber arts classes and demonstrations, shepherd workshops, herding and shearing demos, fleece sale and more. Visit http://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/, email vtsheepandwoolfest@gmail.com or call 802-592-3153 for more information.

October 1 - 3 The Lambtown Festival will be held at Dixon May Fair Grounds, Dixon, CA. Sheep Show with Divisions for Natural Colored fine, medium, and long wool breeds. Meet the Breeds Barn Tours. Wool Show and Sale. Fiber Arts Vendors. Sheepdog Trials. Shearing Contest. Information and entry forms are available on their website: www.LambTown.org.

October 4-8